Portrush RNLI welcomes RNLI Chief Executive to Portrush Lifeboat Station

Portrush RNLI volunteer crew welcomed the RNLI Chief Executive, Peter Sparkes to the station on Friday afternoon. This was the Chief Executives first visit to Portrush since he took up post two years ago.

The Chief Executive met members of the Operations team, volunteer crew members, Lifeguards and shop volunteers as well as the donor of the Inshore Lifeboat ‘The Ken Blair’, Mrs Sylvia Blair, at the station. He was able to update them on the RNLI strategic direction as well as updating the crew about other developments in terms of station refurbishment etc. He then answered questions from the team about the way ahead for the station.

He then moved over to Portrush Yacht Club, where he was presented with a PYC burgee by the secretary Ray Moore. Peter then presented a 20 year long service medal to Coxswain Karl O’Neill and a 40 year long service medal to Ballymoney fundraiser Bill McCormick.

He then had a chance to mingle with Portrush and Ballymoney Fundraising teams and crew and hear what did challenges they all faced.

Beni McAllister Lifeboat Operations Manager said: -

We were delighted to invite Peter to the station to meet the team and hear first-hand about the work we do, but also to hear from him about the future direction of the RNLI.’

The Chief Executive went on to Red Bay RNLI and then to Larne RNLI naming ceremony as part of his tour.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Judy Nelson, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Ireland, [email protected]

Nuala McAloon, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Ireland, 087 648 3547, [email protected]

Niamh Stephenson, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Ireland, 087 125 4124, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.